parse-server: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
CVE-2023-46119 is a high-severity improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory vulnerability in parse-server from Parse-community, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 5.5.6, 6.3.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating parse-server to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.32% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 71% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update parse-server to 5.5.6 or 6.3.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parse-community | parse-server | >= 1.0.0, < 5.5.6; >= 6.0.0, < 6.3.1; 1.0.0 up to, but not including, 5.5.6; 6.0.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.1 | 5.5.6, 6.3.1 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. Parse Server crashes when uploading a file without extension. This vulnerability has been patched in versions 5.5.6 and 6.3.1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid.
- Use an application firewall that can detect attacks against this weakness. It can be beneficial in cases in which the code cannot be fixed (because it is controlled by a third party), as an emergency prevention measure while more comprehensive software assurance measures are applied, or to provide defense in depth.
More Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities (CWE-22)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/commit/686a9f282dc23c31beab3d93e6d21ccd0e1328fe
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/commit/fd86278919556d3682e7e2c856dfccd5beffbfc0
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/5.5.6Release Notes
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/6.3.1Release Notes
Other vulnerabilities in parse-server
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
Recent Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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